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Plastic SurgeryDiagnostic

Burn Center Transfer Criteria (ABA)

Burn Center Transfer Criteria (ABA): Burn Injury: Transfer Needed? → ABA Transfer Criteria Met? → TBSA Criteria → Transfer to Burn Center.

Pathway Overview

8 steps

Algorithm Steps

8 total

  1. 01Start

    Burn Injury: Transfer Needed?

  2. 02Decision

    ABA Transfer Criteria Met?

  3. 03Action

    TBSA Criteria

    • Partial >10% TBSA
    • Full thickness any size
    • Age <10 or >50: lower threshold
  4. 04End

    Transfer to Burn Center

    Contact burn center, stabilize, arrange transport

  5. 05Action

    Special Locations

    • Face, hands, feet
    • Genitalia, perineum
    • Major joints
    • Circumferential limb/trunk
  6. Path rejoins step 04Shared downstream outcome
  7. 06Action

    Special Mechanisms

    • Electrical (including lightning)
    • Chemical burns
    • Inhalation injury
  8. Path rejoins step 04Shared downstream outcome
  9. 07Action

    Patient Factors

    • Significant comorbidities
    • Associated trauma
    • Children at non-pediatric hospital
    • Social/suspected abuse
  10. Path rejoins step 04Shared downstream outcome
  11. 08End

    Manage Locally

    If resources adequate and no criteria met

Guideline Source

ABA Burn Center Referral Criteria

DOI: 10.1093/jbcr/irz154View Guideline

Clinical Safety Information

Clinical Decision Support — Not a Substitute for Clinical Judgment

Individual patient factors may require deviation from these recommendations.

Known Limitations

  • Transfer logistics depend on regional resources
  • Stabilization takes priority over transfer
  • Some criteria are relative, not absolute

Applicable Regions

USAUUKEU

AU: ANZBA similar criteria

UK: National Burn Care Review criteria

US: ABA criteria standard

Version 1Next review: 2028-01-01

Related Plastic Surgery Pathways

Breast Reconstruction Timing Algorithm (NCCN/ASPS)

Management

Burn Depth Assessment Algorithm

Diagnostic

Burn Resuscitation (Parkland Formula / ABA Guidelines)

Management

Degloving Injury Management

Emergency

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Burn Center Transfer Criteria (ABA)?

The Burn Center Transfer Criteria (ABA) is a diagnostic clinical algorithm for Plastic Surgery. It provides a structured decision tree to guide clinical decision-making, based on ABA Burn Center Referral Criteria.

What guideline is the Burn Center Transfer Criteria (ABA) based on?

This algorithm is based on ABA Burn Center Referral Criteria (DOI: 10.1093/jbcr/irz154).

What are the limitations of the Burn Center Transfer Criteria (ABA)?

Known limitations include: Transfer logistics depend on regional resources; Stabilization takes priority over transfer; Some criteria are relative, not absolute. Individual patient factors may require deviation from these recommendations.

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